[Noé is used to traversing across rooftops. It's easier, generally, to ensure that he doesn't knock anyone else over with his speed. So it doesn't take him too long before he arrives and knocks at Aether's door. Smiling and entering, thanking Aether and giving a wave before stepping inside when Aether lets him in.
He doesn't mind if it is small, given he has more recently been accustomed to staying at hotels with Vanitas while traveling around for his work.]
[Aether is thankfully accepting and willing to help him, but even so. He supposes it is just that he is far more used to feeding from Domi. Or just being stubborn about refusing. Even this time, he had tried to put this off. Asking Aether like this. He follows Aether to the kitchen, nodding.]
[Aether's smile looks a little awkward, but it really is fine!
He boils some water for the tea and prepares it in two cups, then motions for the couch. He sets the cups on the small table next to the couch, before sitting down.]
We can start any moment you like.
[It actually feels a little strange this time since there's no sense of urgency. Almost like... it was normal.]
[Noé thanks Aether, taking a sip before setting it down to cool a little more. He worries his lower lip when Aether says they could start. He's still adjusting to this. Feeding from anyone besides Dominique. This time was a bit different. He could at least try to make the most of this. Make it a better experience for Aether. Without the urgency of the previous time. Without that desperation. He nods, feeling the heat rising in his face as he puts his mug back down and quietly thanks Aether again.]
Okay.....I guess we can while we let the drinks cool down a bit.
[He nods, then removes his scarf revealing his neck. There's a redness to his cheek, since this time everything is different. It feels more... personal somehow. Intimate, even. Back then the sense of urgency helped to not think too much about any of this, but right now it feels like Aether can't escape it.
He sighs to himself, then opens his arms.]
Come here.
[A hug. Maybe starting from something like that would help.]
[Noé isn't unused to feeding. But he's still adjusting to it with others. Even if Aether gives permission. That doesn't change that it's still rather intimate. Even if Noé wouldn't be seeing any memories this time. He shifts, nodding a little as he leans in, instinctively wrapping his arms around Aether's waist in return.
He's not sure what he has done to deserve Aether's offering to help him like this. He's still unsure if he can do something to thank him somehow. But he feels like he should do something. His face buries in Aether's shoulder as he leans in, trying to be mindful of not wanting to be too imposing given his size.]
[Aether is slightly tense, perhaps because he's expecting the bite will come sooner than later, but he quickly relaxes into the embrace. His eyes close as he lets his hands trace soft circles into Noé's back, hoping it's a soothing gesture.
Even though the traveler is acting completely unbothered, it's not entirely true. This is a new situation for him, too, and he wants for both of them to not stress so much over it, despite everything.]
[Noé doesn't immediately turn his head to bite Aether. Not yet. Initially, he just lets the other stroking his back help to calm him down. Savoring the moment. Not wanting to really go through with this. Even if he knows he should. He sighs, nuzzling at Aether's shoulder as if in some sort of thanks or apology.
Maybe eventually, he'd get more used to this. Not feel so awful about it. But as it stands, he still does. Aether is so kind. So gentle. Noé isn't sure what he might be able to do in return for this.]
Hm. What should I do? I mean. You're helping me, so....I feel like I should do something for you, too.
[As Noé nuzzles into his shoulder, Aether can't help but laugh softly, then his hand moves to brush the white strands of his companion's hair. He can guess that the other feels awful about all of this. If the traveler was in his place, he would feel the same. But they really don't have any better options and this isn't a big price to pay either.]
Hmm... [He thinks about it for a moment.] What do you do the best?
[Noé isn't sure what he is good at. He knows he isn't great at making use of the World Formula. He's sensitive, emotional, and reckless at times, but that is his loyalty and empathy showing. Sure, he had been tutored by his Teacher, but he still had a lot of trauma and wasn't really figuring work so much up until his travels with Vanitas. Helping the doctor, working in cafes or the like, sometimes to make some extra money here and there.]
I haven't really worked outside of helping Vanitas. And at cafes. Restaurants. Serving people.
I don't have any job that's similar to that, but me and some friends are helping out with renovations of buildings in Karteria. Do you think you could help us out?
[He'll make sure to give some easy tasks to Noé so it wouldn't feel overwhelming.]
Renovations? Ah. Well, I am pretty strong. And fast. So, I guess that seems fine.
[He is rather suited for physical work, given his vampiric strength, at least. So he doesn't see a problem there, provided someone tells him what he needs to do, even just hauling building supplies or the like around or something. As long as he is helping and feels useful. Doing something to repay Aether for this.]
Alright. Sounds good, then. I just....feel like I should do something. In return for your help.
[He is glad for that. To be able to feel useful. Doing something in exchange for Aether. It helps. Even if he would still feel a little bad about this. Because he is Noé, and while he does have a temper sometimes, he generally doesn't want to really hurt anyone if he can help it. Still, he smiles against Aether's shoulder, grateful for the reassurance.]
I know... [Aether smiles warmly.] You're very kind.
[He pets the other's hair gently. Despite Noé being so tall, he feels far younger than he looks, especially now. It makes Aether smile only more with more fondness towards his friend.]
Hm... Maybe if we imprint it would help a bit, too? Imprinting can bring some relief from pain.
[It is probably the thing, besides how oblivious and ditzy he could be, that Dominique and Vanitas tell him off about the most. He's pretty sure Aether isn't the first to say something like that. But he did definitely have his moments where he acted younger than his nineteen years.
He blinks at the suggestion, recalling the vague memories of imprinting with Vanitas. How the other had told Noé to kiss him. Noé can feel his face heating up more at the suggestion.]
Imprint? Um. If it might help....I've only...with Vanitas.
You're not surprised? With.....most of your friends?
[That sounds like. A lot? But then. He isn't sure if there might be some sort of limit or not on this imprinting. And he's well aware that he might not have the best understanding of this whole thing. He's well aware that he's probably still blushing, but he tries to focus.]
Um. So, what should I...? Vanitas told me to kiss him.
[So, of course. This is what he assumes is how it works. Because idiot logic. Vanitas hadn't been able to give the best explanation, after all.]
[Aether nods. It's nothing that strange, he thinks. He has many close friends and it's not like much is needed to imprint on someone...
His eyes widen when his companion says Vanitas told him to kiss him. Aether blinks once, twice... then his eyes narrow a little.]
...I shouldn't even be surprised about that one either.
[It's Vanitas they're talking about!]
You don't need to kiss someone to imprint. Sometimes all it takes is holding of a hand, a hug... just like right now. I think it happens in different ways for different people... but you need to feel a connection to that other person.
Haa? I mean. I guess things were a little difficult, since he was restrained at the time.
[Vanitas was just likely working as best he could with his understanding of imprinting. And it was harder when he couldn't move. Still, even as he tries to explain and defend his friend, he also realizes how it sounds. He pouts briefly, listening as Aether explains and nods. He's not sure how he feels about it, but there's no point in exclaiming with Aether over it, when it isn't Aether's fault.]
I thought imprinting meant kissing or something, because of that.
[His eyes widen. He didn't want to ask about what happen during the experiments, he didn't want to bring back bad memories, but this news is devastating to him that Noé and Vanitas were forced to imprint during the torture. He recalls Vanitas telling him that Patho-Gen did the studies.
Aether takes a deep breath.]
... It must have been the only way back then. [He's torn between being angry at Patho-Gen and wanting to keep his companion closer, as if trying to reassure him that the nightmare is over.]
But... like I said, kissing isn't necessary. It could be an option... but any physical contact that brings you comfort and a sense of connection is good enough.
Vanitas was restrained, so he couldn't really move too easily at the time.
[So, it did rather limit the options. And they were on the clock, not allowed to be together for too long before being separated again. Not that he really figures the need to go into detail. He gives a nod, considering Aether's advice.]
So we could just hug? I mean. I don't want to force anything....
[It is so different from that panicked, rushed imprinting with Vanitas. The way Vanitas had yelled at him to kiss him properly, thrashing in frustration against his restraints. This was....calm. He has the chance to sit and talk about it with Aether. So, it's nice. To know that it didn't always have to be like that.]
Trust? Hm. Alright. I just figure....if it might help. It's worth a try.
[He isn't against the idea. Not if it might help Aether with this. It might be useful to have that bond with someone else besides Vanitas. It is good to know it isn't always necessarily like that. If it might take time, given he doesn't know Aether as well as he does Vanitas, that's alright. He's still figuring this out, so he doesn't necessarily have much to really compare this with. Which may be a benefit in some ways.]
Okay. You should relax, too. Just....let me know when you're ready.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2025-10-22 10:09 pm (UTC)He doesn't mind if it is small, given he has more recently been accustomed to staying at hotels with Vanitas while traveling around for his work.]
Thanks, Aether.
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Date: 2025-10-22 10:32 pm (UTC)[He closes the door, then makes his way to the small kitchen.]
Make yourself at home! Also, would you like some tea?
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Date: 2025-10-23 12:46 am (UTC)[Aether is thankfully accepting and willing to help him, but even so. He supposes it is just that he is far more used to feeding from Domi. Or just being stubborn about refusing. Even this time, he had tried to put this off. Asking Aether like this. He follows Aether to the kitchen, nodding.]
Tea? Ah, yes, please.
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Date: 2025-10-23 09:50 am (UTC)[Aether's smile looks a little awkward, but it really is fine!
He boils some water for the tea and prepares it in two cups, then motions for the couch. He sets the cups on the small table next to the couch, before sitting down.]
We can start any moment you like.
[It actually feels a little strange this time since there's no sense of urgency. Almost like... it was normal.]
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Date: 2025-10-23 06:48 pm (UTC)Okay.....I guess we can while we let the drinks cool down a bit.
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Date: 2025-10-23 07:00 pm (UTC)He sighs to himself, then opens his arms.]
Come here.
[A hug. Maybe starting from something like that would help.]
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Date: 2025-10-23 07:54 pm (UTC)He's not sure what he has done to deserve Aether's offering to help him like this. He's still unsure if he can do something to thank him somehow. But he feels like he should do something. His face buries in Aether's shoulder as he leans in, trying to be mindful of not wanting to be too imposing given his size.]
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Date: 2025-10-23 08:02 pm (UTC)Even though the traveler is acting completely unbothered, it's not entirely true. This is a new situation for him, too, and he wants for both of them to not stress so much over it, despite everything.]
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Date: 2025-10-24 11:08 am (UTC)Maybe eventually, he'd get more used to this. Not feel so awful about it. But as it stands, he still does. Aether is so kind. So gentle. Noé isn't sure what he might be able to do in return for this.]
Hm. What should I do? I mean. You're helping me, so....I feel like I should do something for you, too.
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Date: 2025-10-24 11:34 am (UTC)Hmm... [He thinks about it for a moment.] What do you do the best?
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Date: 2025-10-25 08:11 am (UTC)[Noé isn't sure what he is good at. He knows he isn't great at making use of the World Formula. He's sensitive, emotional, and reckless at times, but that is his loyalty and empathy showing. Sure, he had been tutored by his Teacher, but he still had a lot of trauma and wasn't really figuring work so much up until his travels with Vanitas. Helping the doctor, working in cafes or the like, sometimes to make some extra money here and there.]
I haven't really worked outside of helping Vanitas. And at cafes. Restaurants. Serving people.
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Date: 2025-10-25 07:14 pm (UTC)I don't have any job that's similar to that, but me and some friends are helping out with renovations of buildings in Karteria. Do you think you could help us out?
[He'll make sure to give some easy tasks to Noé so it wouldn't feel overwhelming.]
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Date: 2025-10-25 09:24 pm (UTC)[He is rather suited for physical work, given his vampiric strength, at least. So he doesn't see a problem there, provided someone tells him what he needs to do, even just hauling building supplies or the like around or something. As long as he is helping and feels useful. Doing something to repay Aether for this.]
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Date: 2025-10-25 09:28 pm (UTC)Perfect! Then I'll make sure to let you know when we'll need help.
[Hopefully, this is enough to make his companion worry less about... all of this.]
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Date: 2025-10-26 07:33 am (UTC)[He is glad for that. To be able to feel useful. Doing something in exchange for Aether. It helps. Even if he would still feel a little bad about this. Because he is Noé, and while he does have a temper sometimes, he generally doesn't want to really hurt anyone if he can help it. Still, he smiles against Aether's shoulder, grateful for the reassurance.]
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Date: 2025-10-26 06:55 pm (UTC)[He pets the other's hair gently. Despite Noé being so tall, he feels far younger than he looks, especially now. It makes Aether smile only more with more fondness towards his friend.]
Hm... Maybe if we imprint it would help a bit, too? Imprinting can bring some relief from pain.
[Maybe that would make the bite less painful?]
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Date: 2025-10-27 12:29 am (UTC)[It is probably the thing, besides how oblivious and ditzy he could be, that Dominique and Vanitas tell him off about the most. He's pretty sure Aether isn't the first to say something like that. But he did definitely have his moments where he acted younger than his nineteen years.
He blinks at the suggestion, recalling the vague memories of imprinting with Vanitas. How the other had told Noé to kiss him. Noé can feel his face heating up more at the suggestion.]
Imprint? Um. If it might help....I've only...with Vanitas.
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Date: 2025-10-27 09:10 am (UTC)As for the sudden blush on the other's face, the traveler isn't sure the reason of it, but he continues on without pointing it out.]
Ah, right. You two are close so I'm not surprised. I'm imprinted with most of my friends... It helps, really.
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Date: 2025-10-27 09:22 am (UTC)[That sounds like. A lot? But then. He isn't sure if there might be some sort of limit or not on this imprinting. And he's well aware that he might not have the best understanding of this whole thing. He's well aware that he's probably still blushing, but he tries to focus.]
Um. So, what should I...? Vanitas told me to kiss him.
[So, of course. This is what he assumes is how it works. Because idiot logic. Vanitas hadn't been able to give the best explanation, after all.]
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Date: 2025-10-27 09:57 am (UTC)His eyes widen when his companion says Vanitas told him to kiss him. Aether blinks once, twice... then his eyes narrow a little.]
...I shouldn't even be surprised about that one either.
[It's Vanitas they're talking about!]
You don't need to kiss someone to imprint. Sometimes all it takes is holding of a hand, a hug... just like right now. I think it happens in different ways for different people... but you need to feel a connection to that other person.
[Does this make sense?]
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Date: 2025-10-27 05:24 pm (UTC)[Vanitas was just likely working as best he could with his understanding of imprinting. And it was harder when he couldn't move. Still, even as he tries to explain and defend his friend, he also realizes how it sounds. He pouts briefly, listening as Aether explains and nods. He's not sure how he feels about it, but there's no point in exclaiming with Aether over it, when it isn't Aether's fault.]
I thought imprinting meant kissing or something, because of that.
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Date: 2025-10-27 11:33 pm (UTC)Aether takes a deep breath.]
... It must have been the only way back then. [He's torn between being angry at Patho-Gen and wanting to keep his companion closer, as if trying to reassure him that the nightmare is over.]
But... like I said, kissing isn't necessary. It could be an option... but any physical contact that brings you comfort and a sense of connection is good enough.
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Date: 2025-10-28 04:00 am (UTC)[So, it did rather limit the options. And they were on the clock, not allowed to be together for too long before being separated again. Not that he really figures the need to go into detail. He gives a nod, considering Aether's advice.]
So we could just hug? I mean. I don't want to force anything....
[It is so different from that panicked, rushed imprinting with Vanitas. The way Vanitas had yelled at him to kiss him properly, thrashing in frustration against his restraints. This was....calm. He has the chance to sit and talk about it with Aether. So, it's nice. To know that it didn't always have to be like that.]
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Date: 2025-10-28 04:08 pm (UTC)[It upsets him to know that, adding to all the other reasons why Patho-Gen needs to pay for what they've done.]
We can just hug. Even if it won't work right away, it's fine as well. Sometimes it takes time... maybe some more trust? I'm not sure.
[He pets the other's hair.]
I just want you to relax and don't worry about anything.
[He pauses.]
...Even if we don't imprint you can still go ahead and bite me. It's all fine, really.
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Date: 2025-10-29 09:39 am (UTC)[He isn't against the idea. Not if it might help Aether with this. It might be useful to have that bond with someone else besides Vanitas. It is good to know it isn't always necessarily like that. If it might take time, given he doesn't know Aether as well as he does Vanitas, that's alright. He's still figuring this out, so he doesn't necessarily have much to really compare this with. Which may be a benefit in some ways.]
Okay. You should relax, too. Just....let me know when you're ready.
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